PROFESSIONS AND THE FUTURE

September 7, 2015

Information for this post are taken from Design News Daily Magazine: Article by Mr. Rob Siegel Design News

Previously, in a post entitled “What Not to Do”, I provided three lists of occupations that just might not be too productive relative to employment or continued employment through 2022. After spending four or more years in a course of study, then not being able to find a job, is at best very frustrating. With that being the case, I also issued the following statement:

“I would again say—IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR A GIVEN PROFESSION, follow that passion, BUT make sure you are one of the best in the world. Competition is global not just within the confines of our country. In the post that will follow, I will indicate those STEM professions considered to be “everlasting” and indicate current open positions. I was greatly surprised at the number of jobs that are waiting on acceptable candidates.”

OK, this is the post that follows. Let’s take a look at those STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) professions that will remain viable and in demand through 2022. These are not in any given order. I would ask you to look at the text under each category indicating salary levels. Also, I have listed job openings, at this time; i.e. right now, that exist.

Of the 1,375 jobs in aerospace, around eighty percent (80%) are mid-level positions. Twenty-five percent (25%) are located in California.

In 2013 there were 3,500 job openings for mathematicians with a projected thirty-five percent (35%) increase expected through 2022.

A good number of the 5,790 jobs are mid-level and yet twenty percent (20%) are at the senior-level. The good news, there is no particular geographic location where chemical engineers are located.

Most of the 9,751 job openings are mid-level or senior-level. As with Chemical Engineering, the jobs are dispersed evenly across the United States.

There are 28,382 open positions for electrical engineers. This discipline represents the second largest demand for engineers. Software engineering is the first. Approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the job openings are in California, with half in the San Jose area. Most are mid-level but there are definitely openings for entry-level graduates.

There are 28,382 open positions for electrical engineers. This discipline represents the second largest demand for engineers. Software engineering is the first. Approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the job openings are in California, with half in the San Jose area. Most are mid-level but there are definitely openings for entry-level graduates.

There are approximately 1046 job openings for professionals with degrees in Material Science. Most in mid-level positions but companies are interviewing for entry-level positions.

In 2012, there were 20,400 NE job openings available in this country alone. This number has greatly increased due to the need for engineers abroad. We are beginning to wake up as a country and realize the technology has improved since Three-Mile Island. We also know there were significant design errors made with Chernobyl and Fukushima. Errors that will not be duplicated here in this country.

There are approximately 38,500 job openings for petroleum engineers. A great profession and one that will not go away within this century.

This one may be a bit of a surprise but job growth for physics majors is projected to steadily increase at the rate of seven percent (7%) through 2022. This discipline prepares an individual for employment in several other STEM professions.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

This is not only a growing profession but a fascinating occupation. The technology is advancing at an extremely rapid rate and there is no shortage of challenge.

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

PROCESS ENGINEERING

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

These 8,234 job openings are located throughout the United States. No one industry captures a great percentage of the market.

QUALITY ENGINEERING

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

As you can see, software engineers are certainly in demand with 158,323 job openings available right now. This is the reason for demands that HB-1 visas remain available. Companies cannot find qualified US citizens to fill these vacancies.

The STEM professions will remain the most viable option for employment for the future. I would like to indicate to you that YOU CAN DO THIS. You do not have to be a genius to graduate with a four year degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the above professions. Do NOT be intimidated with the work. IT’S “DOABLE”.